Has anyone done an AirBNB in Tuscaloosa?

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Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y

Regs don't seem to allow it. You would likely be breaking the local ordinance. 

Seems like a good appreciation market, but maybe more suited to LTR or MTR. 

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  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y

    They are short term rentals @Marie Grabo. :)

    I would take some time and check AirBNB and VRBO directly and see what others are charging nightly, what their amenities are and what their calendars look like.

    You can compare that with the AirDNA results and get a better idea.

  • Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Regs don't seem to allow it. You would likely be breaking the local ordinance. 

    Seems like a good appreciation market, but maybe more suited to LTR or MTR. 

  • Branford, CT · Member since 2016 · 59 posts · 9 votes
    2y

    @Jon Martin I've stayed at several there. Both my daughters went to UA. Maybe not all allow, but many do.

  • Branford, CT · Member since 2016 · 59 posts · 9 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Michael Baum:

    They are short term rentals @Marie Grabo. :)

    I would take some time and check AirBNB and VRBO directly and see what others are charging nightly, what their amenities are and what their calendars look like.

    You can compare that with the AirDNA results and get a better idea.


     Ok, thank you.

  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y

    My nephew and a niece are going to school there now. There are rules against STR'S. That is why my sister has not been able to buy a place there to use as a STR.

  • Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marie Grabo:

    @Jon Martin I've stayed at several there. Both my daughters went to UA. Maybe not all allow, but many do.


    I don't doubt that they function, even if against the rules. I would just be mindful of that going into it as a new investor. 

    Going outside the city limits is a good work around that works in markets that don't have county-wide regulations. Northport looks interesting but I'm not sure what the rules are there. 

    Like I said- even if it doesn't work out Tuscaloosa seems like a no brainer for appreciation, LTR and probably MTR as well.  

  • River SavaPro Member
    Lender · USA · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Hi Marie - I have seen a lot of success with AirBNBs in Tuscaloosa and yes theAirDNA data is accurate. Some lenders use that to udnerwrite which shows the quality of the projections. 

    Would love to connect with you to answer further questions. 

  • Member since 2023 · 1 post · 1 vote
    2y

    There are ways to get an AirBnB approved within city limits. The city makes it hard and you have to go in front of the zoning board for approval...but it is possible.

    Alot of rules and permits to buy- but it would be worth the hassle.

  • Clayton SmithPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tuscaloosa · Member since 2019 · 91 posts · 38 votes
    2y

    @Marie Grabo 

    I have a STR in Tuscaloosa currently. The city does make it somewhat difficult to set up but it is more paperwork than anything else. You have to go to the zoning board to get it approved but it is typically a formality, unless the neighbors push back it should get approved. They will limit the days it can be used as an STR for the 1st year but in my experience they do not follow up to track the actually days. Biggest thing is make 80% of your revenue in football season and it is ok the rest of the year. Feel free to ask me any questions.

  • Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Clayton Smith:

    @Marie Grabo 

    I have a STR in Tuscaloosa currently. The city does make it somewhat difficult to set up but it is more paperwork than anything else. You have to go to the zoning board to get it approved but it is typically a formality, unless the neighbors push back it should get approved. They will limit the days it can be used as an STR for the 1st year but in my experience they do not follow up to track the actually days. Biggest thing is make 80% of your revenue in football season and it is ok the rest of the year. Feel free to ask me any questions.


     Great info, thank you! What's your game day/weekend markup?

  • Clayton SmithPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tuscaloosa · Member since 2019 · 91 posts · 38 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Jon Martin:
    Quote from @Clayton Smith:

    @Marie Grabo 

    I have a STR in Tuscaloosa currently. The city does make it somewhat difficult to set up but it is more paperwork than anything else. You have to go to the zoning board to get it approved but it is typically a formality, unless the neighbors push back it should get approved. They will limit the days it can be used as an STR for the 1st year but in my experience they do not follow up to track the actually days. Biggest thing is make 80% of your revenue in football season and it is ok the rest of the year. Feel free to ask me any questions.


     Great info, thank you! What's your game day/weekend markup?


     Depends on the game. I have a 3 bed / 2 bath 10 minutes from the stadium. Right now it may be $125-$150 a night. Last year for the Texas game I rented it for $1250 a night with a 3 night min. Typically game is around $500 a night with a 3 night min. 

  • Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Clayton Smith:

     Depends on the game. I have a 3 bed / 2 bath 10 minutes from the stadium. Right now it may be $125-$150 a night. Last year for the Texas game I rented it for $1250 a night with a 3 night min. Typically game is around $500 a night with a 3 night min. 

    Wow, that's significant. Times 5-6 home games you are talking real numbers so long as you have decent occupancy other times of the year. 

    I've heard similar numbers for Ann Arbor. 

  • Member since 2024 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    2y

    Hi there-

    I'm also looking to get a STR in the Tuscaloosa or Birmingham area. Can anyone recommend an investor-friendly agent that can help with the legwork in identifying a property etc?

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